HSU Library will host David Mohrmann’s reading of his newly released book XOCOMIL: The Winds of Atitlán on Friday, May 6 in the Fishbowl, 12-2pm. The reading will be followed by a Q & A, discussion, and a book signing.

David Mohrmann’s novel XOCOMIL: The Winds of Atitlán spans what many historians term the “Guatemalan Civil War.” That, unfortunately, does not include the USA involvement, or begin to describe how it was experienced by the oppressed indigenous Maya.
The story begins and ends at Lake Atitlán. It travels from traditional Maya villages through the war-torn mountains of Guatemala; from cornfields in Kansas through the jungles of Vietnam; from pot-filled hills in northern California through the psychedelic haunts of San Francisco to the ruins, and magic mushrooms, of southern Mexico. It is about simple lands full of complex intrigues. And hope. Always hope.

Atitlán is translated by some as, “Where the rainbow gets its colors”--by others as, “The place where water gathers.” In either case, a good name for a lake. It is a thousand feet deep. It hides a lot. But its surface reflects a world of human behavior that often taints the beauty of this magical place.

Xocomil is a word unique to Atitlán. It refers to the lake’s strong afternoon wind. Originally it meant, “The demon’s fury.” Since the invasion of Spaniards and Catholicism, however, some converted Maya have taken it to mean, “The wind that carries away sin.”

Regardless of meaning, the Xocomil blows nearly every day. Sometimes with fury.

David Mohrmann received his bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology at the University of California in Santa Barbara. After receiving an MFA in Dramatic Writing, he became a member of the Theater Film and Dance Department at Humboldt State University. He wrote and produced more than 10 plays, but his most significant contribution was in the area of political street theater as a trained practitioner in “Theatre of the Oppressed.” He retired early so that he could get back to writing fiction. His stories have also appeared in Toyon, Brink, The Battered Suitcase, and The Furnace Review.

Office of Research, Economic and Community DevelopmentOffice of Research, Economic, and Community Development

Join us for the third annual IdeaFest, happening Friday, April 22, in the University Library. More than 100 student presentations and projects will be on display, including featured presentations from students selected to attend the CSU Student Research Competition. For more information, visit http://www2.humboldt.edu/ideafest/.

Climate Action Plan Open ForumsOffice of Sustainability

HSU’s Climate Action Plan Committee hosts a pair of open forums to gather feedback on a Climate Action Plan currently in development. The open forums take place on Wednesday, April 20, at noon and 3 p.m. in Goodwin Forum.

There is a new colloquium in the psychology department called Psych Talks. Our second talk is Wednesday (3/23) at 4pm in BSS 166. This week’s talk will be given by Dr. Reynolds (the chair of the psychology department) and will be about his research on the association between bullying and depression, self-injury, and suicidality in middle school students. Results suggest important distinctions when addressing bullying as a risk factor in suicide prevention programs.

California Big Time & Social GatheringMultiCultural Center

The MultiCultural center hosts the California Big Time & Social Gathering on Saturday, April 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the HSU West Gym. The Big Time helps strengthen and reinforce indigenous tribal identity among our students, our youth, and our communities. Learn about ceremonial dances, regalia, songs, history and traditions. HSU campus tours, youth basketball tournament, and traditional Indian card game tournament.

Additional Public Info: No photography, please. This is a drug & alcohol-free event. We prohibit the sale & distribution of single-use, plastic water bottles.

Contact:

Paula Tripp-Allen
(707) 826.5197

Submit Your Presentation to IdeaFest 2016Office of Research, Economic and Community Development

Calling for everyone’s ideas! The deadline to register for IdeaFest is Monday, March 28. HSU’s three colleges are hosting the 3rd annual IdeaFest on April 22. Join students and faculty in showcasing research, performances, digital projects and more. New or previously presented professional posters or multimedia presentations are welcome. If you are interested in publishing your research, you may also exhibit their poster online in Humboldt Digital Scholar, or be included in the inaugural issue of “HSU ideaFest,” an annual journal for student research to be started this year. If needed, Marketing & Communications is able to reprint posters free of charge prior to the event. The deadline to register for ideaFest is Monday, March 28. Learn more online at http://www2.humboldt.edu/ideafest/.